“The team was divided into two groups and transported separately, along with gear and equipment — 26 bags of cement, pre-cut piles and posts, timber, a new fire and parts, along with building gear, food and tents.”
Works at the HutAt the Koranga Forks Hut the team installed a new fireplace, water tank stand, window louvres and finished some painting work.
The team replaced all outer piles on the Tawa Hut, repaired a hole in the hut wall, fastened bunks to the wall, and fixed the fireplace hearth. They re-routed a section of the track 40 minutes before the hut where a slip had occurred.
Mr Roper said while the public have been looking after the huts well and there was minimal rubbish on-site, visitors needed to complete the hut book, as DoC relies on that information for funding and hut maintenance.
He said both huts are now ready for visitors to have a place to sleep and enjoy the variety of walks and recreational opportunities in the Waioeka Gorge.
He said trampers will need a moderate level of fitness and good level of back country experience to do the tracks on the network.
Rates to stay in the huts per night are $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for 11-17 year olds, and free for under 10 year olds.
For further information about these huts and walks in area visit the DoC website www.doc.govt.nz.
